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RNCM On Song

Royal Northern College of Music Student Wins Patricia Routledge National English Song Competition

Published on May 20th 2013.

CANADIAN soprano, Sarah Parkin, was awarded First Prize in the Patricia Routledge National English Song Competition.

Sarah, aged 25, is currently studying for a Postgraduate Diploma at the RNCM after graduating with a Masters in Solo Performance last year.

The annual contest, which took place at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama on Friday 10 May, was established to ‘encourage the communication of English words, in singing and in speech, with clarity, understanding and imagination.’

Sarah, aged 25, is currently studying for a Postgraduate Diploma at the RNCM after graduating with a Masters in Solo Performance last year. She was accompanied on the evening by RNCM postgraduate pianist James Vaughan.

On winning the competition, she said: 'I am so honoured to have been presented with the First Prize in this prestigious competition, as well as being given the chance to represent the RNCM in such a positive manner. The finalists were all fantastic artists, and I can easily say it was a most enjoyable experience - not to mention the opportunity of meeting Patricia Routledge herself! Many thanks to the support of the staff at the RNCM, and especially to my fantastic accompanist, James Vaughan.'

Acknowledging her success, her teacher Susan Roper, Deputy Head of the School of Vocal Studies and Opera at the RNCM, added: ‘We are absolutely delighted by Sarah’s success; she is a hugely talented student and has worked very hard during her time at the RNCM. We are very proud of her and happy for her.’

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